Windows into Waldorf Feb 7, 2025

IN THIS EDITION:

• Director’s Note

• Key Dates

• PT Conferences & Camps

• Special Middle School Math Program

• Art Therapy Classes available

• Middle School Student Ambassadors

DIRECTOR’s NOTE

Dear Waldorf Community,

This morning I happened by the gym to deliver a message and became mesmerized by the Grade 4/5 class as they were rehearsing a stage version of James and the Giant Peach, a classic story brought to life through an impressive ensemble production with catchy songs and enchanting costumes. The students will present the opening scene tomorrow morning as part of our Open House - a showcase of all things Waldorf. The student production will certainly shine as we share the warmth, wonder, and wisdom of our Waldorf Academy with prospective families. 

Thank you to the parent volunteers and families who are participating. With a number of students performing, all of our elementary staff attending, and the smell of fresh baked bread wafting from the kindergarten room and warm muffins in the new staffroom, the event becomes more than an opportunity to explore our classrooms; it is a moment for prospective families to experience the heart of our community. Guests will witness the artistry of our curriculum by collecting stamps in their passports as they tour our facilities and special events. It promises to be an event that nurtures not only intellect but also creativity, curiosity, and character.

Perhaps you as a current family are wondering what is to come in the higher grades, or are planning to attend to provide guests with a warm welcome, a personal insight, or a guiding hand, you are most welcome. If you know families seeking a meaningful, child-centered education, please extend this invitation to them, or bring them with you!

We look forward to opening our doors and hearts, celebrating the gifts of a Waldorf Academy education, and welcoming new families into our circle.

With warmth and gratitude,

Conor

KEY DATES

• Sat Feb 8 - Community Open House program starts at 10am - all families welcome

• Feb 10 - 7pm - Knitting Circle

• Feb 11 - 7pm - Board Meeting - via Zoom

• Feb 12 - 4pm - Grade 4/5 Play - all families welcome

• Feb 13 & 14 - NO SCHOOL for K-8 (Camps Available) - PT Conferences

• Feb 17 - NO SCHOOL or CHILDCARE (Family Day; No Camps)

• Feb 20 - 7pm - Community Council Meeting

• Feb 21 - 8:30am - Parent Song Circle

• Feb 24 - 7pm - Knitting Circle

• Feb 26 - PINK SHIRT DAY!

• Mar 3 - 7pm - Knitting Circle

• Mar 6 - Grade 8 Projects

• Mar 10-21 - MARCH BREAK - 2 weeks

• Mar 17-21 - March Break Camp Week (for K-Grade 5)

• Mar 24 - PD Day (K-8 closed, CCC Open) (no camp available)

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES - Feb 13 & 14

• Feb 11 at noon - The Signup Zone will close

• Once the Signup Zone is closed you will not be able to view it online. Please be sure to note the date and time of your PT Conferences when you book them. 

SPECIAL EXTRACURRICULAR MATH PROGRAM
The school doorbell rang on Wednesday afternoon. It was déjà-vu: there was Victoria, a graduate from two years ago, Class of 2023. The doorbell rang again a few minutes later: it was Ayla, from Class of 2023. A few minutes later, Charlotte arrived, and Cara. Then Shyla from Class of 2024. It was a veritable reunion!

Yes, and! Our Grade 6 teacher and math specialist, Ms. Bender, has started a special after school math club especially for our Middle School girls, and is engaging our own graduates as mentors.

The value of this initiative for excelling in arithmetic is perhaps obvious. Our alumni mentors are exceptional in the discipline, and there is evidence to show that same-gender math study can be especially helpful for girls, as we work towards breaking social stereotypes around the scientific disciplines.

Less obvious might be the more subtle aspect of the initiative. Longevity and sincerity of relationship is a centrepiece of Waldorf education. We strive to create connections and experiences that affect a lifetime, even long after the connection itself may have dissipated. The relationship between the graduates and our Middle Schoolers teaches how to ask for help, how to receive it; it models leadership and gives our current students role models; it generates strong memories and a sense that the world - at its core - is a fundamentally good place filled with good people. A solid foundation both academically and socially is the bedrock on which our students build for a lifetime.

Thank you, Ms. Bender, for manifesting this program, and for being such a positive role model for our students in math, and beyond. Thank you also to our graduates for their dedication, time, intellect, and mentorship.

ART THERAPY Classes Available

Therapeutic painting is a guided, creative process that invites an aspect of emotional healing. It involves exercises with either a student or a class in using a wet-on-wet painting technique. During this process the paper is soaked prior to painting in order to allow the paints, consisting of the three primary colours, to easily blend. However, the process may also include other techniques using media such as watercolour crayons and pencils, wax crayons, chalk pastels, or beeswax.

The exercises and media are chosen according to the students’ developmental stage, their needs, and individual, therapeutic aim.

Light in the Fog Victoria Yaraslovova

Students may benefit from therapeutic painting for many different emotional reasons. For example, they may find it challenging to focus in class, they might be marginalized, or bullied at school, they might be anxious due to a stressful situation at home, or they might be experiencing trauma, due to something that has happened to them, to another classmate, or a family member.

Each therapeutic cycle in this program consists of seven sessions over the course of seven weeks, for a total fee of $350.00.

Your child’s teacher may approach you with the suggestion of therapeutic painting for your child, or you may request therapeutic sessions directly.

Kristina Kiil is an Anthroposophical Art Therapist, and has been working with Waldorf Academy for 16 years. She has an Honours B.A. in Natural Science and French from Glendon College, York University, Toronto. She has a diploma from Arscura, Toronto and a diploma in Anthroposophical Art Therapy from Tobias School of Art and Therapy, England. She has practical experience at the Chailey Heritage School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, England; Camphill Communities Ballytobin (for children with special needs) and Mourne Grange (for adults with special needs), Ireland; Sophia Creek medical practice, Barrie, Ontario; and the Rudolf Steiner Health Centre, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

STUDENT AMBASSADOR OPPORTUNITIES

We are thrilled that several of our Middle School students are participating as student ambassadors for various roles in tours and open houses. Their first training session for an upcoming event was yesterday, and will continue today.

If your Middle School child is interested in ambassador opportunities, please reach out to Larissa at admissions@waldorfacademy.org

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!